DAPPER
LOU+LEGACY
DENIM
BANANA REPUBLIC’S NEW DENIM COLLECTION EXPLORES THE MEANING OF LEGACY
A shared sense of heritage and craft.
Brooklyn-based photographer, stylist and creative director Lougè Delcy, better known as Dapper Lou, has made a career out of amplifying the stories we don’t often hear. “Beautiful people can be found in every culture, so I try to dignify them with the portraiture I take,” he says. “My mission is to highlight the stories of people by putting them in the most positive light.” His impact on the worlds of fashion, nonprofits and photography comes from practicing what he preaches, manifesting in vibrant images that poetically capture the emotion of his subjects, no matter the locale. It’s this distinct point of view, which references his Haitian roots and love for travel, that have made the untrained creative into a highly respected name amongst the streetwear set and beyond.
“Beautiful people can be found in every culture...”
With his projects ranging from fashion and art to philanthropy and community — like Dapper Studios, a creative collaborative of emerging talent — Dapper Lou has a finger on the pulse of what truly resonates. The collective’s latest endeavor is a collaboration with Banana Republic for its new Legacy Denim collection. The brand tapped Lou and friends to explore the connection between character and craft and tell the story of their own legacies. Lou is a longtime friend of the brand, but this project has special meaning: Just like him, Legacy Denim is propelled by purpose, crafted with character while still maintaining a sense of authenticity. Comprised of two fits for men in a range of washes, the series of denim is made with sustainability in mind, from the LEED-certified factory to eco-conscious water practices.
With their shared sense of craft and heritage, Lou alongside writer Joekenneth and writer and photographer Chermelle document and characterize Banana Republic’s new premium denim. The project comes at a monumental point for the collective, as each of them hit their own milestones in their creative careers. Through it all, their enlightened perspective always shines through. “We’re living in interesting times but rather than focusing my attention on negativity, I try to show the beauty in the world by working with colors, texture and positivity,” Lou says. “I want my legacy to be a light in a darkened world.”
“I want my legacy to be a light in a darkened world.”
Check out the collab with Dapper Studios and then explore the Legacy Denim collection by heading to Banana Republic’s website. You can also head to HYPEBEAST’s Instagram page to enter to win a pair of special edition Legacy Denim jeans beginning on August 8.
Banana Republic Slim Legacy Jean in Rinse Dark Wash
Banana Republic Authentic Supima® Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt
Styled with his own accessories
Banana Republic Skinny Legacy Jean in Rinse Dark Wash
Banana Republic Seersucker Camp Shirt
Styled with his own accessories
Banana Republic Slim Legacy Jean in Rinse Dark Wash
Banana Republic Luxury-Touch Crew-Neck T-Shirt
Styled with his own accessories